Cabarrus County voters casting ballots for District Court judge on Tuesday, Nov. 3, will see the name of Judge Brent Cloninger, who died Oct. 18.

Every vote marked for Cloninger will count as a vote for Jennifer Taylor, the Republican replacement nominee, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE). The board will redirect those votes when it certifies results at the statewide canvass on Nov. 24.

As we reported Oct. 28, the Cabarrus County Republican Party's Executive Committee nominated Taylor for the District 25, Seat 4 position. The NCSBE certified the nomination on Oct. 27.

Why Cloninger's name stays on the ballot

Cloninger's name will remain on the ballot because his death came too close to Election Day for ballots to be changed, according to Inform Cabarrus. Cloninger was unopposed in the general election.

An NCSBE spokesperson told the North State Journal that the transfer follows state statute § 163-165.3.c. The new four-year judicial term begins Jan. 1, 2027.

Who fills the seat until then

A separate process governs the remainder of Cloninger's current term, which ends Dec. 31. Under state law, Gov. Josh Stein may appoint a replacement judge for that period after receiving recommendations from the Cabarrus County Bar Association, according to the NCSBE spokesperson.

Who is Jennifer Taylor

Taylor serves as chief assistant district attorney in the Cabarrus County District Attorney's Office, a position she has held during her 15 years with the office. She helps supervise a team of about 20 to 25 attorneys and staff.

Chairman Jim Quick said the party's Executive Committee received interest from several local attorneys. "Our committee is honored to nominate Jennifer Taylor as the best qualified to serve our community as the next Cabarrus County District Court Judge," Quick said in a press release.

Taylor also serves on the Cabarrus County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Executive Board. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of Charleston and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Remembering Judge Cloninger

Cloninger, a lifelong Cabarrus County resident, served as a District Court judge for nearly 16 years. He was first elected in 2010 and took office in January 2011. Voters reelected him in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He died at age 62. No cause of death has been made public.